Microsoft boosts Surface Pro 3 line-up with cheaper i7 model

This weekend Microsoft quietly released a new version of its Surface Pro 3 range, bringing a cheaper version of the Intel Core i7 model into play.

The latest addition to the line-up knocks a few bucks of the asking price, but drops the built-in storage down from 256GB to 128GB, making it a good option for those who rely more on cloud-based solutions.

Right now it appears the new iteration, which also packs 8GB RAM, is only available in the United States, where it’s $1,299 (about £825) compared with $1,549 (about £985) for the 256GB model.

In the UK, the 256GB/Core i7 model is £1,299, so if Microsoft were to roll out this new version in Blighty, that price tag would probably fall somewhere closer to £1,100.

The largely unprompted release (via CNET) comes at a time when speculation suggests Microsoft is dragging its heels on releasing a Surface Pro 4.

Last
week Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella warned of ‘tough choices’
ahead, perhaps hinting the Lumia and Surface divisions could be under
threat.

Nadella said: ”We will need to innovate in new areas, execute against our plans, make some tough choices in areas where things are not working and solve hard problems in ways that drive customer value.

“I really do believe that we can achieve magical things when we come together as one team and focus.”

Chris Smith is a freelance technology journalist for a host of UK tech publications, including Trusted Reviews. He's based in South Florida, USA.
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